§ Earl Attleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What public expenditure has been incurred in relation to building work taking place in the offices of the Inland Revenue at Somerset House; what is the purpose of those works; and by what authority and on what departmental vote the costs are being borne. [HL838]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe works being carried out on the west side of new wing of Somerset House involve external stone cleaning and repairs, external redecoration of woodwork, and repairs to the Lancaster Place Vaults, as part of routine maintenance. The project is funded and managed by the Somerset House Trust from the Somerset House Service Charge. The Somerset House Trust is responsible for the external maintenance of that building.
The tenants, of which the Inland Revenue is one, contribute to the service charge in accordance with their lease terms. The service charge is paid by the Inland Revenue to the Somerset House Trust under the authority of the vote (RFR1).